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Equipment & products used on
Mad Dog Voyager
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The Mad Dogs Equipment & Gear page
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Product:
Balmar 7-series alternator
Although our
Yanmar 4JH3E diesel engine was originally outfitted with
Yanmar’s optional 80 Amp Hitachi alternator, we decided that a
Balmar 7-series alternator, and specifically the Balmar 70-110
(110 amps) model was an excellent upgrade. While the Hitachi 80
Amp alternator is a good quality alternator, its lower power
output and internal regulation didn't allow us the control we
needed.
After upgrading the paltry and severely-undersized 225 Ah
battery bank installed by CR Yachts, the builder of our
sailboat, to a much large bank of high-output 6 volt deep-cycle
batteries, the Yanmar supplied 80 Amp Hitachi alternator just
wasn't up to the task.
Alternators are a funny piece of electronic equipment. They are
developed and designed to output a specific maximum charging
current depending on the discharge level of the battery and the
heat of the alternator. Alternators live a rough life, being
attached very close to a hot diesel engine and can routinely get
hot enough to boil water. This operating environment coupled
with this high heat can lead to shortened lifespan for these
vital pieces of equipment.
By upgrading to the Balmar 70-110 alternator, not only did we
increase the maximum potential charging current, but we also had
the opportunity to fit a Xantrex External Charge Regulator. Many
articles and entire chapters of books have been dedicated to the
pros and cons of larger versus smaller alternators and whether
there is really much value in increasing the size and
subsequently charge output. As a battery bank is charged, a
properly designed and installed charging system regulates the
amount of current being sent to the batteries. Charging
batteries is not just a matter of turning the garden hose on
full blast and filling a bucket until it is full. As the
batteries reach an increased state of charge, the current is
reduced and, like a ballet performance, an elegant controlled
dance of reduced current and increased voltage is performed
until the battery is fully charged.
There is a limited time span when our Balmar 70-110 really
outputs all it is capable of, but this means that the rest of
the time it leads a relatively easy life, neither overheating
nor excessively wearing out. This decreased demand, in a Mad Dog
opinion, leads to a longer working life and more reliable
alternator.
The Balmar 70-110 comes standard with a 2½” pulley, designed to
fit either a 3/8” or 1/2" belt. The dual foot design of our
Balmar was a perfect fit and drop in replacement for the Hitachi
alternator. While cooling for the Balmar is provided by an
internal dual-fan system, we’ve further increased this by
directing the incoming engine supply air to flow directly over
the alternator.
Ignition protected to USCG, ISO & SAE standards, the Balmar
7-series alternator can normally be installed on either diesel
(such as our
Yanmar 4JH3E diesel engine) or gasoline engines.
Additionally, Balmar has done an excellent job of documentation.
Their in-depth and detailed 12 page Installation and User Manual
provides excellent installation & operational information,
general background information relating to alternator and
charging systems as well as links to suppliers for accessory
products.
Other power sources on Mad Dog Voyager:
●
SunPower
solar power panels
●
D400
Wind power generator
●
Honda EU2000i
generator
●
Ferris 200
water-powered generator
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Product
review:
The Balmar 70-110 alternator, installed on the
Yanmar 4JH3E of our sailboat Mad Dog Voyager has
performed flawlessly and we expect it will continue
to perform for some time to come.
Hats off to Balmar for an excellent product!
Pros: Easy fit, drop in replacement. Lots of power.
Well built.
Cons:
None
Rating:
♥♥♥♥♥
(5 out of 5 is the best rating possible)
Download free pdf instructions manual:
not available
Web links for this
item:
Visit
the official website
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